Description
Succulent Greek lemon chicken marries zesty citrus with tender, herb-infused poultry. Mediterranean flavors dance through this classic dish, inviting you to savor each aromatic bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquid and Citrus Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together zesty lemon juice, fragrant zest, robust olive oil, aromatic garlic, dried oregano, delicate thyme, and seasoning until thoroughly blended.
- Submerge chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Heat oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for even cooking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and arrange pieces on prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between them.
- Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C) and juices appear transparent.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Slice chicken diagonally and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and bright lemon wedges for a burst of citrusy freshness.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight for deeper, more intense citrusy notes.
- Avoid dry chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely and prevent overcooking.
- Swap chicken breasts with bone-in thighs for richer taste and juicier meat if preferred.
- Create a gluten-free version by ensuring all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and using alternative herbs if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg